The Bank of Russia may pause its key rate-cutting cycle at its upcoming meeting, influenced by recent domestic fuel market events impacting inflation dynamics and rising inflation expectations, according to experts.
The MOEX Russia Index climbed 2.16% to 2,000.83 points, while the RTS Index rose 2.27% after an initial dip attributed to dividend ex-dates. Experts from BCS World of Investments, Freedom Global, and Tsifra Broker provided varied forecasts for Tuesday's trading, with some cautioning against signaling a sustainable market reversal.
Researchers at the University of Warwick developed a new method to predict the strength of the Sun's solar cycles up to seven years in advance. By identifying a "switch-off" point where extreme space weather abruptly ceases, they can forecast the next cycle's sunspot peak, with an early estimate suggesting a moderate Solar Cycle 26.
The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts dry, wintry conditions for most of Queensland, with showers on the south-east coast and light falls in Wide Bay. Hazardous surf conditions are expected to weaken from today, though beachgoers are advised to remain cautious.
South Korean beauty (K-beauty) is experiencing a "second wave" in the U.S., marked by Olive Young's successful store openings in California and a 48% sales increase. This trend is reshaping the American beauty market, benefiting retailers like Ulta and Target, but also posing risks to average selling prices.
United Airlines exceeded Q2 earnings estimates but faces significant headwinds from escalating fuel costs, projected to add nearly $6 billion to expenses this year. The carrier revised its Q3 and full-year adjusted earnings forecasts downwards, despite strong demand and rising fares, attributing volatility to geopolitical tensions.
TSMC announced June revenue surged 67.9% year-on-year to NT$398.27 billion, pushing first-half revenue to NT$2.4 trillion. Q2 revenue of NT$1.27 trillion surpassed analyst forecasts, driven by robust AI demand and global manufacturing expansion.
Dutch semiconductor equipment maker ASML reported better-than-expected quarterly results, driven by strong AI-related investments, leading the company to raise its full-year 2026 net sales and gross margin outlook. The firm also plans significant production capacity increases despite ongoing US-China tech tensions.
South Korea's Prime Minister Han Seong-sook has ordered government agencies to maintain emergency readiness due to forecasted heavy rainfall in central parts of the country, including the Seoul metropolitan area, starting early Saturday.
The IEA reports global oil demand will decline by 1 million barrels/day in 2026 due to the US-Iran war disrupting Middle Eastern oil production and exports, despite gradual export resumption.
Netflix reported Q2 revenue of $12.56 billion (up 13% YoY) and EPS of $0.80, meeting analyst estimates. Despite "healthy" engagement (97B hours watched in H1 2026), stock fell 7% due to disappointing earnings forecasts. The company emphasized live events and ad revenue growth, aiming to double ad revenue to $3B YoY.
Hong Kong's weather forecaster may issue a No 1 typhoon signal between Monday evening and Tuesday morning due to a low-pressure system approaching from the South China Sea. Heavy rainstorms, thunderstorms, and squalls are expected on Tuesday, with potential flooding in low-lying areas.
Apurva Shrivastava, an Indian-origin MIT engineer, co-founded Avoca with Tyson Chen, an AI answering service for home businesses. The company, valued at $1 billion, uses AI voice agents to book appointments and follow up on leads, addressing the critical issue of missed calls for small contractors.
A US man convicted of murder near Neuschwanstein Castle fears extradition to the US due to the death penalty. Germany faces another heatwave, with temperatures potentially reaching 38°C. The far-right AfD presents a 100-day plan for Saxony-Anhalt.
Forecasters are increasingly confident a powerful El Niño will develop later this year, potentially matching historic events like the 1877 episode. This natural climate cycle can significantly alter global weather patterns, impacting harvests, water supplies, and public health, and may amplify human-caused warming.
Typhoon Bavi, one of the strongest storms in decades, has caused deadly landslides in the southern Philippines, killing at least 15 people. The massive storm is now heading towards Taiwan and southeastern China, prompting widespread flight cancellations, school closures, and evacuations.
The IEA has increased its 2026 global oil supply forecast by 0.2 million bpd, projecting a 3.7 million bpd fall this year to 102.6 million bpd. Supply could reach 110.1 million bpd in 2027, boosted by Middle East transit recovery and OPEC+ growth, though risks remain.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts a 1.047 million bpd drop in global oil demand in 2026, the first contraction since 2020. Despite a May slump, improved supply data and lower prices are expected to stimulate consumption, with demand returning to growth in Q4 2026.
The IEA's forecast for a global oil surplus in 2027 is threatened by renewed US-Iran hostilities. Despite a June supply rebound after the Strait of Hormuz reopened, future projections are uncertain. Refined product markets remain tight due to refinery issues and Ukrainian attacks.
El Niño is strengthening, with an 81% chance of a "very strong" event ranking among the largest on record by 2027. This phenomenon, characterized by warming Pacific Ocean temperatures, could supercharge global extreme weather, exacerbating existing heatwaves and droughts.
Typhoon Bavi, covering 940,000 sq km, is causing panic and uncertainty in China's Zhejiang province. Residents like high school tutor Hui Xinyi are preparing for potential power/water shortages and class disruptions by taping windows and stocking supplies.
A developing Super El Niño may disrupt the Polar Vortex, potentially causing colder temperatures and more snow in the US, Canada, and Europe during the winter of 2026-27. Meteorologists are monitoring these long-range climate signals.
Hong Kong taxi drivers will soon use an AI-powered system called StreetSights to predict high-demand streets, developed by Dash and HKUST. The system aims to improve efficiency for street-hailing taxis by providing real-time data on customer demand and taxi availability.
Typhoon Bavi, covering nearly 940,000 sq km, is approaching China, causing anxiety among residents in Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces. Concerns include potential landfall, disruptions to daily life, and travel cancellations.
